Friday, February 14, 2025

Wilmington names two deputy city managers

Outgoing Pender County manager will start in his new role with the City of Wilmington July 5. (Courtesy photo)

WILMINGTON — Former Pender County manager Chad McEwen and Raleigh budget director Mary Vigue have been hired as the new deputy managers for the City of Wilmington.

“Both Chad and Mary bring a wealth of experience to the City of Wilmington and will undoubtedly help advance our organization and service delivery for residents,” City Manager Tony Caudle said in press release Monday.

McEwen previously served as assistant county manager for Pender County and the Town of Burgaw. He recently announced his resignation in Pender County, to the surprise of the board of commissioners who required him to stay on for 60 days. McEwen had served in the position since late 2019 and initially requested a 30-day notice, but the board felt he was needed to finalize the county’s budget process, to be approved by June.

READ MORE: City hiring third deputy city manager with hopes of expanding into unincorporated areas

“Chad’s experience in coastal North Carolina is very valuable,” Caudle added. “He helped lead the regional coalition on flood resilience after Hurricane Florence, understands the unique challenges our city faces, and is prepared to help lead us through them.”

In his new role starting July 5, McEwen will oversee Wilmington’s fire department, emergency management, planning and development, economic development and downtown services.

“I am eager to begin the next chapter of my career with the City of Wilmington, an organization that I have long admired, and to continue the important work of emergency management and economic development,” McEwen said in the release. “I am honored to be chosen for this role and believe it is a perfect match for my professional background and desire to build a strong and resilient community.”

Raleigh’s Mary Vigue will begin as deputy city manager May 23. (Courtesy photo)

Vigue will begin her new role May 23, following service with the City of Raleigh since 2017. She previously held the role of assistant city manager for the City of Greensboro and executive director of an education foundation.

“She is well-equipped to ensure that our internal support services operate smoothly and efficiently, and will play a key role in making strategic plans and decisions to guide our organization forward,” Caudle said in the release.

In her capacity as deputy city manager, Vigue will oversee Wilmington’s finance, internal audit, budget, information technology and human resources departments.

“Internal services are a passion of mine, so joining the City of Wilmington in this capacity presents an ideal opportunity to help lead a highly efficient and mission-driven city organization,” Vigue said in the release.

The third deputy manager, Thom Moton, will retain his role overseeing community services, public services, engineering and the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. He’s served the city since 2017.


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